Digital Citizenship: Online Safety and Responsibility

The mission of digital citizenship is to prepare students for the global technology demands of the future, addressing the digital divide and building character in children.

Digital citizenship encompasses the ability to engage with the internet or technology in a safe and meaningful way, requiring students to be skilled and adept in using various online tools.

Characteristics of a digital citizen include using social media responsibly, understanding associated terms, knowing how to search and filter for accurate results, creating a website, using safe payment practices, and protecting private information.

Digital citizenship aims to make students functioning members of society, emphasizing online safety and protecting against dangers like identity theft and cyberbullying.

The two pillars of digital citizenship are respect and protect, with respect involving character education and acceptable use policies, and protect focusing on protecting oneself against identity theft and other online dangers.

Identity theft is a major concern, with private information being stolen and sold on the dark web, and adolescent students should protect themselves from catfishing and other online scams.

A digital footprint refers to the personal information left behind while using the internet, including emails, search history, and other intentional or non-intentional online activities.

Copyrights are an important aspect of digital citizenship, requiring students to investigate and understand the legal protection of an owner's work and the concept of fair use.

Developing passwords for safety and protection is crucial, with rules including keeping passwords private, using a combination of characters, and avoiding personal information.

Student agency involves giving students autonomy over their learning experience, taking ownership of their work, and developing good communication skills.

The nine essential elements of digital citizenship are literacy, commerce, communication, access, etiquette, digital law, digital rights, digital health, and digital security.

Digital literacy involves identifying the specific needs for technology, using the right tool, and keeping up with new technologies and updates.

Digital commerce involves understanding the use of money through online methods, recognizing the dangers, and using online payment methods responsibly.

Digital communication involves using online tools to communicate, adhering to a code of conduct, and exhibiting appropriate behavior.

Access relates to the digital divide, aiming to provide equality in internet access for all students, with schools and libraries providing open labs and resources.

Etiquette involves exhibiting appropriate behavior for each digital tool, treating others online with respect, and understanding when to use formal or informal language.

Digital law involves following legal guidelines, policies, and rules, including not sending viruses or malware, and not plagiarizing others' work.

Digital rights include the right to free speech, privacy, and other inalienable rights, with responsibilities to appreciate and not abuse these rights.

Digital health involves being aware of the potential negative effects of technology, such as stress, anxiety, headaches, and eye strain, and maintaining a balance between technology use and human interaction.

Digital security involves taking proper steps to protect oneself from online dangers, including backing up data, locking devices, and avoiding malware and phishing scams.